The greatest video game endings

Finishing a video game is a complicated emotional process. On the one hand, you're done, you've achieved something and you can finally take a shower. On the other hand, a massive gaping hole has just opened up in your life.

So, it's with a mixture of pleasure and melancholy that we bring you the greatest video game endings ever, according to those stat-loving guys at Guinness World Records.

Over 13,000 fans voted for the top 50, for inclusion in the new Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer’s Edition. The top spot was taken by Call of Duty: Black Ops, which (slight spoiler alert) revolves around a shoot-out in a submarine. It also brings in a whole JFK conspiracy to the mix.

Halo: Reach is in the second spot, with its finale of Noble Six's sacrifice while Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time comes in at number three with Link's epic rescue of Princess Zelda.

Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer’s Edition said: “Everyone has an opinion on how to end a game whether it’s an epic boss fight, a clever plot twist or a 90-minute movie. This list recognises some of the greatest endings and hopefully will get gamers talking about what are their favourites and why.”